India / 60 policemen injured in Bengaluru violence, over 200 vehicles set ablaze

Bengaluru: Three people were killed after the police opened fire at a violent mob in East Bengaluru on Tuesday, 11 August. Police resorted to firing after the mob went on a rampage, attacking a police station and an MLA’s house.

According to reports, around 60 police personnel were injured in the violence late on Tuesday.

The violence began on Tuesday night in DJ Halli and Kaval Byrasandra areas and spilled over to KJ Halli, after a Facebook post by a relative of Congress legislator Akhanda Srinivas Murthy, reportedly insulting Prophet Mohammed, created outrage.

The accused relative, Naveen, has been arrested for allegedly sharing derogatory posts on social media, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Kamal Pant said. Meanwhile, 110 people have been held in connection with arson, stone pelting and assault on police.

‘Unacceptable’

“Around 60 police personnel, including an Additional Commissioner of Police, (were) injured in clashes that broke out over an allegedly provoking social media post, in DJ Halli and KG Halli police station areas of Bengaluru.”

What Happened?

According to police, a large mob gathered in front of the KG Halli police station demanding the arrest of the MLA’s relative, Naveen. As police were talking to the complainants, around 8.30 pm, another mob of around 200 people gathered at the MLA’s house. They began pelting stones and setting vehicles on fire, police said. The MLA was not at home during the attack.

Soon after, the mob gathered outside KG Halli police station began pelting stones at the police station and even damaged DCP (East) Bhimashankar Guled’s official car.

Reacting to the incident, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa said that directives have been issued against the perpetrators and the government has taken all possible measures to bring the situation under control.

"The attack on journalists, police and public is unacceptable. The government won't tolerate such provocations and rumours. Strict action against perpetrators will be taken," he said in a tweet.

Restrictions under Section 144 of CrPC have been imposed in Bengaluru, with curfew imposed in the DJ Halli and KG Halli police station limits, ANI further reported.